🍁 Things To Do in Woodford, Redbridge, Highams Park & Chingford This October
Discover the best things to do in Woodford, Redbridge, Highams Park & Chingford this October 2025 — from Halloween trails and family workshops to theatre, art exhibitions, and community events.
🍁 What October Feels Like in Woodford & Surroundings
October is a rich, atmospheric month in and around Woodford Green, South Woodford, Chingford, Highams Park, and Buckhurst Hill — the leaves are turning, there’s a crispness to the air, and a mix of indoor and outdoor events fills up the local calendar. Below is a curated guide to what’s on (or likely) in October 2025, tailored by group and neighbourhood. Always double-check with event hosts before heading out, as dates and details may shift.
🍂 What to Expect in October Locally & Regionally
Autumn walks, forest trails, and running events come into their own in this part of East/North-East London bordering Essex, with Epping Forest and Lee Valley on the doorstep.
Halloween and seasonal, spooky-themed trails, guided night walks, bat-themed events are common, especially in forest and wildlife centres.
Indoor events (theatre, music, talks) pick up as evenings lengthen.
Larger-scale London-wide festivals — film, literature, art — are also active in October.
Let’s zoom in to the local patches first.
Local Highlights by Area
Below are suggestions and confirmed events in each local area (or easily accessible from there).
Woodford Green & South Woodford
Haven House Halloween Trail
On Wednesday 29 October 2025, there’s a Halloween Trail around the woodland grounds at Haven House (IG8, Woodford Green).
Families with younger children will enjoy this — themed trails, spooky fun in a woodland setting.
Seasons Bar – DJ Taylor (Son of DJ Big Lee)
On 3 October 2025 at Seasons Bar in Woodford Green: a DJ night. A livelier, more youthful evening out.
Woodford Green Amenity Group Events
The local amenity group tracks local happenings and often puts on community events like quiz nights, litter-picks, tree-planting etc. Their site currently lists a Quiz Night on 11 October 2025, and a Litter Pick on 26 October 2025.
Arts Society Woodford Green – Guided Walk
The Arts Society Woodford Green sometimes organises walks and cultural visits; for example in past years there was a guided walk of Oscar Wilde’s London on 16 October.
It’s worth watching their “Visits” page for October 2025 updates.
London B2B Growth Hub After Hours Networking
On 14 October 2025, there is a networking event listed via WhereCanWeGo (though held in Canary Wharf). Might appeal to local entrepreneurs or professionals wanting to mix local and London contacts.
Chingford, Highams Park & Buckhurst Hill
Lee Valley / Epping Forest Bike Ride & Lee Valley Half-Century
On Sunday 5 October 2025, there’s a family-friendly Epping Forest Bike Ride (10 am start) and also a more challenging Lee Valley Half Century (40 km / 50 km) cycling event.
The start is from Chingford Plain, Ranger’s Road, E4 7QH.
Epping Forest Wildwood Trail Series – Half Marathon & 10K
On Saturday 25 October 2025 at 09:00, this trail run cuts through Epping Forest, offering both a half marathon and a 10K route through stunning woodland.
A great option for runners and active folk.
A Forest Walk After Dark (Guided Night Walk)
On Friday 24 October 2025, there is a guided “forest walk after dark” starting outside Chingford Station. A more atmospheric, spooky-led walk in the forest under darkness.
Bat-themed & Halloween Activities at Epping Forest Visitor Centre
During the October half-term (22 to 31 October), free bat-themed activities are run at the Epping Forest Visitor Centre in Chingford.
Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge (Chingford)
This Tudor-era hunting lodge (now museum) is on the edge of Epping Forest in Chingford (Rangers Rd, E4).
Even on quieter days, you can visit this historic building, enjoy forest walks from there, and perhaps catch guided tours or talks (check their schedule via City of London / Epping Forest pages).
Things to Do (Anytime / Self-Guided)
If no events suit your schedule, here are evergreen options in the area:
Forest walks: Explore Epping Forest via entrances from Chingford Plain, Highams Park, Loughton Warren, etc. The autumn leaf colours are especially striking mid-to-late October.
Cycle routes: Use the local cycle paths through Roding Valley, the Lee Valley cycle network, or join one of the organised rides.
Visit local pubs and cafés: In Woodford Green, South Woodford Broadway, Buckhurst Hill and around Highams Park, there are cosy cafés, gastropubs, and local restaurants ideal for a mellow autumn afternoon.
Local heritage trails: For example, find the Monument Against Aerial Bombing in Woodford, commissioned by Sylvia Pankhurst, hidden behind foliage — a quirky local spot worth seeking out.
Theatre, museums & London events: You’re a tube/overground ride away from big London events (film festivals, theatrical premieres) in October.
What’s On in Wider London / Essex (for a Trip Out)
BFI London Film Festival
Runs 8 to 19 October 2025 across London cinemas. Great for cinema lovers wanting to catch premieres, indie films, special screenings.
Oktoberfest-style events
London sees several Oktoberfest / beer-fest events in October (live brass, German food, beer halls).
London theatre & arts
October sees a crowded arts calendar: new West End shows, gallery openings, literature or Black History Month events across the city.
St Clare Hospice Night Walk (Epping area)
A 5-mile charity night walk in Epping. Date details starting from late September; check their site for October walks.
Steam Day at East Anglian Railway Museum, Chappel (Essex)
On Sunday 5 October 2025, the East Anglian Railway Museum (Essex) hosts a Steam Day: heritage trains in motion, exhibits open. Great for a railway-loving day out.
Best Picks by Audience 💡
Here are tailored suggestions by group type:
Families / Parents with Kids
Haven House Halloween Trail (29 Oct, Woodford Green) — ideal for younger children, light spooky fun.
Epping Forest Bike Ride (5 Oct) — family-friendly cycling route.
Bat-themed activities (22–31 Oct, Chingford Visitor Centre) — free, fun, educational.
Forest Walk After Dark (24 Oct) — older children who enjoy nature & mystery might love it.
Steam Day (5 Oct, Chappel, Essex) — trains always win with kids.
Local Forest Walks / Play in woodland — bring layers, wear boots, pack snacks.
Young Professionals / Social & Active Types
Seasons Bar DJ nights
Evening forest walks / guided walks (e.g. After Dark walk)
Running / trail races (e.g. Wildwood Trail on 25 Oct)
Networking events (e.g. 14 October B2B event)
London events (film festival premieres, theatre)
Oktoberfest nights in London or local beer / food events
Runners, Cyclists, Outdoorsy People
Lee Valley Half Century (5 Oct) — a strong ride through scenic paths
Epping Forest Wildwood Trail (25 Oct) — beautiful forest trails in race format
Forest walks, trail runs, local loops — autumn terrain is great for exploring
Culture-lovers, History Enthusiasts
Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge (Chingford) — historical site with a story to tell
Arts Society walks & talks
London Film Festival, theatre, gallery exhibitions
Monuments & heritage walking in Woodford Green